Types of Procedures

Covenant Bariatric Center is pleased to provide patients with the best surgical options available.  Bariatric surgery is one of the most important decisions you will ever make and we want to be sure you are ready to commit to this life altering procedure.  After completing the necessary assessments, including psychological and physical evaluations, together we will begin the process of determining which surgical method is right for you.

Laparoscopic Gastric Bypass

Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass is one of the frequently performed procedures for morbid obesity in the U.S.  The gastric bypass procedure works by using both a restrictive and a malabsorptive component.  It restricts food intake and the amount of calories and nutrients the body absorbs. In addition to creating a smaller stomach pouch, the surgery changes the body's normal digestive process. As a result, food bypasses a large part of the stomach and most of the small intestine.

On average, patients who chose gastric bypass surgery can lose approximately 70% of their extra body weight following surgery.  Many health problems (back pain, sleep apnea, high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, and depression) improve or are resolved.

Laparoscopic Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy

The vertical sleeve gastrectomy is our newest surgical weight loss alternative. A thin, vertical sleeve of stomach is created using a stapling device, and the rest of the stomach is removed. The procedure involves permanently removing about 75% of the stomach. This procedure limits the amount of food you can eat and helps you feel full sooner. It allows for normal digestion and absorption. Food consumed passes through the digestive tract in the usual order, allowing it to be fully absorbed in the body.  Published studies have shown that patients experience a 40 to 70 % estimated weight loss at 18 months. 

Laparoscopic Adjustable Gastric Banding

During the laparoscopic adjustable gastric band procedure, a silicone band is placed around the uppermost part of the stomach, dividing it into two parts: a small upper pouch and a lower stomach. The upper pouch can hold only about 4 ounces (1/2 cup) of food. As a result, you eat less food at one time, feel full sooner, and feel satisfied longer. The goal is to lose weight gradually, at a healthy rate of 1 to 2 pounds per week.

No part of your stomach is stapled or removed during surgery, and your intestines are not rerouted, so you can continue to absorb nutrients from food.

The band has to be adjusted therefore close follow up and adjustments are necessary for optimal success. The degree of band tightness affects how much food you can eat during a meal and the length of time it takes for food to empty from the upper pouch. When the band is adjusted to the proper tightness, you'll feel full sooner and stay full longer.

Weight loss with the adjustable gastric band is typically slower than with the other surgical procedures. At three years, the average excess weight loss is around 50%.